Etymology : Middle English potencial, from Late Latin potentialis, from potentia potentiality, from Latin, power, from potent-, potens
Pronunciation : p&-'ten(t)-sh&l
Function : adjective
Date : 14th century
1. possibility; ability; capability of being; possible energy (Electricity). possible, capable of becoming, able to be. potential\po*ten"tial\, n.
2. anything that may be possible; a possibility; potentially.
3. (math.) in the theory of gravitation, or of other forces acting in space, a function of the rectangular coordinates which determine the position of a point, such that its differential coefficients with respect to the co?rdinates are equal to the components of the force at the point considered; -- also called potential function , or force function. it is called also newtonian potential when the force is directed to a fixed center and is inversely as the square of the distance from the center.
4. (elec.) the energy of an electrical charge measured by its power to do work; hence, the degree of electrification as referred to some standard, as that of the earth; electro-motive force.potential \po*ten"tial\ , a. [cf. f. potentiel. see:
potency.].
5. being potent; endowed with energy adequate to a result; efficacious; influential. [obs.] "and hath in his effect a voice potential.".
6. existing in possibility, not in actuality. "a potential hero." arlyle. potential existence means merely that the thing may be at ome time; actual existence, that it now is. w. hamilton.potential cautery. see:
under cautery.potential energy. (mech.) see:
the note under energy.potential mood, or.
7. Being potent; endowed with energy adequate to a result; efficacious; influential.
8. Existing in possibility, not in actuality.
9. Anything that may be possible; a possibility; potentially.
10. In the theory of gravitation, or of other forces acting in space, a function of the rectangular coordinates which determine the position of a point, such that its differential coefficients with respect to the coördinates are equal to the components of the force at the point considered; also called potential function, or force function.
11. It is called also Newtonian potential when the force is directed to a fixed center and is inversely as the square of the distance from the center.
12. The energy of an electrical charge measured by its power to do work; hence, the degree of electrification as referred to some standard, as that of the earth; electro-motive force. the inherent capacity for coming into being existing in possibility; "a potential problem"; "possible uses of nuclear power".
13. 1. You use potential to say that someone or something is capable of developing into the particular kind of person or thing mentioned. The firm has identified 60 potential customers at home and abroad We are aware of the potential problems and have taken every precaution. = possible + potentially po·ten·tial·ly Clearly this is a potentially dangerous situation.
14. If you say that someone or something has potential, you mean that they have the necessary abilities or qualities to become successful or useful in the future. The school strives to treat pupils as individuals and to help each one to achieve their full potential Denmark recognised the potential of wind energy early.
15. If you say that someone or something has potential for doing a particular thing, you mean that it is possible they may do it. If there is the potential for something, it may happen. John seemed as horrified as I about his potential for violence The meeting has the potential to be a watershed event. likely to develop into a particular type of person or thing in the future = possible potential customer/buyer/client (potentialis, from potentia , from potere; POTENT). action potential electric potential ionization potential potential energy.
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